Re-torquing the wheels on my 95 LT-1

[voorthuist]

Friends-

Any idea where I can find an adapter that will allow me to use my new torque wrench (with 1/2" nib) in conjunction with the lug-nut sockets that came w/ the car (these appear to have solid 3/4" hex heads, intended to be used in conjunction with the wrench that came with the car, of course.) I asked the guy in Pep Boys about this today. His english was none too good and after describing my predicament, he looked at me like I had just asked him to donate one of his kidneys.

Also- how important is it to achieve the correct torque on the lug nuts when re-tightening? Can a high speed (>80mph) vibration [which I have] be due to incorrectly torqued wheels? The car only has 34k miles.

Many thanks..

Jeff

 

[ErnieN85]

Jeff, what works nicest is a 3/4 deep socket and a short 1/2 extension about 4 inches long sears is a good place $6.99 for t he socket about the same for an extension.

as to torque 100 lbs in a star pattern. the book says to redo after 100 miles. however the only time mine dis need it was after a track session for 20 min.
Will a vibration loosen them? probably not any vibration that bad and your unlikely to drive far enough to do it!

 

[ErnieN85]

Jeff , another thought if you do not have a vibration problem (just think you do) What you are feeling may be the road! I have found that I have a vibration at various (high) speeds on different roads if it goes away at all it's the road and not the car. many of us are used to a whole lot of isolation which just doesn't exist in a Corvette!

 

[voorthuist]

Loud and clear!

Many thanks Ernie. I did indeed pick up a socket at Sears this evening.

The road on which I experienced the vibration has recently been repaved and is smooooth as a baby's tush! I think I better have my alignment and wheel balancing checked pretty soon.

Thanks again & take care,

Jeff

 

[ErnieN85]

Jeff, don't be too surprised if your balance is ok the road stuff i"m talking about never looks bad to me. the roads are new and old seems to be a function of the suspension and resonances with thr road surface. I've got 187,000 miles on my car and just figured it out!

 

[ErnieN85]

BTW I95 in va is one of the places it happens to me

 

[voorthuist]

Thanks again Ernie... I will do at least a couple more 80mph runs on other roads before taking her in to be checked out.


v/r
Jeff